In celebration of elephants, estimated £60,000-80,000 at Christie’s.
The Antiques Trade Gazette Award for An Outstanding Indian & Islamic Work of Art from an Auction House and the Apollo Award for An Outstanding Indian & Islamic Work of Art from a Dealer each have three finalists.
AUCTION HOUSES
CHRISTIE’S
Indian painting c.1705-15
From Rajasthan, In celebration of elephants, shown above, depicts these creatures in their natural habitat rather than in the service of humans in battle or as prized possessions.
As many aspects as possible of elephantine behaviour are depicted from conception to old age and everything in-between such as gambolling, play fighting, rubbing against trees and swimming.
Using opaque pigments heightened with silver on paper, the painting measures 23.5 x 44cm. It comes the collection of Indian & Islamic art expert Toby Falk.
At Christie’s on October 27 the estimate is £60,000-80,000.
CHISWICK AUCTIONS
Ceremonial ewer c.1180-1220
A silver-inlaid bronze ceremonial spouted ewer, estimated £1500-2000 at Chiswick Auctions.
This finely engraved silver-inlaid bronze ceremonial spouted ewer, 30.5cm high, comes from Herat in Iran.
Until the Mongol conquest of Iran in the 13th century, Herat was a thriving centre of production for Persian metalware. Unlike some other ewers that feature figural decoration, this one has several bands in a variety of Arabic scripts including monumental and floriated Kufic and angular naskhi.
Ewers of this shape and design are associated with courtly gatherings and were used either to serve water, wine or other beverages during special occasions or to wash guests’ hands on their arrival.
At Chiswick Auctions’ Islamic Art sale on October 31 it is estimated at £1500-2000.
SOTHEBY’S
Indian gilt-copper dagger, late 16th century, 37.5cm long
A zoomorphic gilt-copper dagger, estimated £200,000-300,000 at Sotheby’s.
This zoomorphic gilt-copper dagger set with rubies and emeralds comes from the Edith and Stuart Cary Welch collection having been acquired from Howard Ricketts in 1974.
It features a curved, double-edged watered steel blade rising to a pommel formed of a leonine yali, a Hindu mythological creature. The bird in its open jaws is a Persian simurgh which pecks the yali in self-defence.
The exotic blend of iconography reflects the cultural influences in the Deccan in the second half of the 16th century.
Estimated at £200,000-300,000, it will be offered for sale at Sotheby’s on October 25.
DEALERS
ROB DEAN ART
Ink and wash on paper painting
Mountains in Kurseong, 1929, by Nandalal Bose, offered by Rob Dean Art.
Mountains in Kurseong, 1929, belongs to a rare group of early sumi-e paintings by Nandalal Bose (1882-1966) which were inspired by a visit to the Himalayan town of Kurseong, a short distance from Darjeeling.
The broad sweeping vistas are unmistakably Himalayan, but the wash technique employed came directly from his Japanese travels and are inspired by Nihonga artists such as Yokama Taikan and Hishida Shunso. Bose’s visit to Japan in 1924 allowed him to delve deeper in the traditions of rapid monochromatic paintings in ink and wash.
The work was in Bose’s personal collection and thence by descent to Supratik Bose his grandson, and is now with Rob Dean Art.
ANRAD GALLERY
Tree of Life dyes on cotton by Jonalgadda Niranjan
Measuring 1.35m x 99cm (53 x 39in), Tree of Life (2022) by Jonalgadda Niranjan uses natural dyes on cotton fabric and has its origins in chintz work produced in the 17th and 18th centuries for travelling tents for royalty. The vibrant colours are achieved by complex use of naturally derived dyes.
The work was acquired from the artist and is available from Anrad Gallery.
GROSVENOR GALLERY
Oil on canvas by George Chinnery
A Bengal village scene by George Chinnery, offered by Grosvenor Gallery.
English painter George Chinnery (1774-1852) spent most of his life in Asia, especially India and southern China.
In 1802 he sailed to Chennai on the ship Gilwell and became the leading artist of the British community in India. Substantial collections of his drawings and pictures are held by museums.
This oil on canvas, measuring 38 x 56cm, depicts a Bengal village scene with cattle and is available from the Grosvenor Gallery. The year of production is unknown.
Asian Art in London 2023 details
Antiques Trade Gazette is a proud sponsor of Asian Art in London.
Asian Art in London is an annual programme that promotes London as a centre of excellence in the arts of Asia. Each October/November in and around central London an intensive schedule of specialised exhibitions, auctions and lectures is offered by its participants: dealers, major auction houses and cultural institutions specialising in Asian Art.
This year is the 26th edition of Asian Art in London. From October 19 until November 4, participants will open their doors to welcome visitors and collectors.
The dates for each section this year are:
- Indian & Islamic Art: October 19-28
- East Asian Art: October 26 - November 4
To find the dealers and auction houses participating in the 2023 festival see the maps on this PDF.
For further information use the Asian Art in London website asianartinlondon.com
